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Checklist For Your Bowling Stance Position

Good bowling fundamentals start with a good bowling stance position. If you are a just now learning to bowl and want some tips on getting properly positioned on the approach, review our checklist for a good set-up position.

1. Before stepping onto the approach, make sure you know precisely where you wish to position your feet and where your sighting target is located on the lane. Stand the same distance from the foul line each time you take your stance.

2. When first setting up on the approach, tilt your upper body forward (perhaps 10 or 15 degrees) placing the front portion of your shoulders directly over your knee caps.

3. Check that your bowling shoulder is no more than an inch or so lower than your non-bowling shoulder. Maintain this upper body position all the way through your approach while walking, swinging, and delivering your bowling ball.

4. Hold the bowling ball in your stance position with the center of the ball positioned in front of your bowling shoulder close to your body and about waist high or as high as is comfortable. Your bowling hand should be underneath the ball supporting the weight of the ball.

5. Flex your knees slightly during your set up and maintain this amount of knee flex while walking to the foul line to deliver your bowling ball.

6. Your weight should be distributed fairly evenly over both bowling shoes but with a bit more weight on the foot not used in your first step of the approach.

7. Make sure your head remains level and your chin remains at least shoulder level or higher. Maintain this posture throughout your approach, delivery, and finishing position at the foul line.

By setting up with good balance in an athletic posture, you will find it easy to maintain that position while walking to the foul line. With proper positioning in your set-up on the approach, you have a very good chance of bowling well.

As always, we recommended you consult with a bowling coach to learn more important fundamentals of the game.